Pro Basketball Talk on NBC Sports podcast

Kurt Helin, NBC Sports

Kurt Helin and the team from ProBasketballTalk at NBCSports.com talk all things NBA basketball: news, analysis and even the ridiculous. Regular guests include NBA players and media members. read less

Our Editor's Take

Hoops fans may enjoy the Pro Basketball Talk (PBT) on NBC Sports Podcast. It's a companion podcast to the popular PBT website. Both focus on the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Kurt Helin hosts the Pro Basketball Talk on NBC Sports Podcast. Kurt, who has run this podcast since 2016, is also the managing editor at Pro Basketball Talk. He gives insight into the NBA's world. Kurt has interviewed stars like Kevin Durant and Michael Jordan during his career.

On the Pro Basketball Talk (PBT) on NBC Sports Podcast, Kurt discusses and analyzes NBA games and practices. The show talks about controversies, including injuries and the NBA's bribery scandal. The host also ranks teams, explains current events, and tries to predict the season's world champions. Corey Robinson of NBC Sports cohosts some of these episodes.

Players appear on the Pro Basketball Talk (PBT) on NBC Sports Podcast to discuss their careers. Three-time NBA champion B.J. Armstrong joins to discuss the draft. Other guests appear on the show to speculate on trades. In draft preview episodes, Kurt discusses NBA prospects with friends at other publications. This includes Mark Medina of USA Today. Coach David Thorpe guests to talk about player development and team-building.

This show previews every significant event in the NBA season. In some episodes, Kurt speculates on each conference and draft pick. He also discusses individual teams and their performance for the season. Kurt often gives suggestions on PBT to teams that are not doing well.

At the end of every season, Kurt names a rookie of the year. He also selects his all-NBA picks. He ranks coaches, players, and teams in an unofficial awards ceremony. Kurt's extensive knowledge about the basketball world shows in his commentary. New episodes of the podcast come out weekly during basketball season.

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Talking Magic Johnson with author of new biography Roland Lazenby

Talking Magic Johnson with author of new biography Roland Lazenby

Magic Johnson is synonymous with the five-time champion Showtime Lakers — the fast-break master with the no-look pass whose infectious smile belies one of the most competitive players ever to lace them up.In his incredibly well-researched new biography on Earvin "Magic" Johnson, author Roland Lazenby dives into the complex personality of of Magic, the guy who never forgot his roots and always seemed grounded, but also continues to compete with Michael Jordan on the financial front. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports and Lazenby discuss how Magic and Larry Bird — along with David Stern — turned the NBA into a prime-time, must watch show (setting the stage for Michael Jordan). They also delve into Magic's HIV announcement and how that was received domestically and internationally, his family and the influence of his mother and father on the man Magic would be, and how Magic the businessman made his billion dollars by focusing on building for underserved black communities in Los Angeles. It's a full discussion of one of the NBA's greats with details not often discussed about the Magic man.

Episodes

Talking Magic Johnson with author of new biography Roland Lazenby

Talking Magic Johnson with author of new biography Roland Lazenby

Magic Johnson is synonymous with the five-time champion Showtime Lakers — the fast-break master with the no-look pass whose infectious smile belies one of the most competitive players ever to lace them up.In his incredibly well-researched new biography on Earvin "Magic" Johnson, author Roland Lazenby dives into the complex personality of of Magic, the guy who never forgot his roots and always seemed grounded, but also continues to compete with Michael Jordan on the financial front. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports and Lazenby discuss how Magic and Larry Bird — along with David Stern — turned the NBA into a prime-time, must watch show (setting the stage for Michael Jordan). They also delve into Magic's HIV announcement and how that was received domestically and internationally, his family and the influence of his mother and father on the man Magic would be, and how Magic the businessman made his billion dollars by focusing on building for underserved black communities in Los Angeles. It's a full discussion of one of the NBA's greats with details not often discussed about the Magic man.

Western Conference preview with Mark Medina

Western Conference preview with Mark Medina

The Western Conference is stacked — 12 teams enter the season thinking they can make the playoffs. That will lead to some very disappointed fans (and front offices/coaches on the hot seat) come April, and veteran NBA journalist Mark Medina joins NBC Sports Kurt Helin to break it all down.The Denver Nuggets are the team to beat and believe they can start where they left off in championship form, despite the loss of Bruce Brown, because they have Nikola Jokic. Chasing them are the Phoenix Suns, a top-heavy roster but one that's a threat if they can find enough depth and defense by the time the playoffs start. The Lakers and Warriors are threats, but both have aging cores — if the Lakers' LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the Warriors' Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, can get to the playoffs healthy, they are threats.What about Memphis, without Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the season? Do we trust the Clippers? Does Minnesota figure it out this season with two bigs and the emergence of Anthony Edwards? The Thunder are set to make a leap. Do we trust Zion Williamson to stay healthy and make the Pelicans a threat?We break all that down and more.

NBA season preview with betting edge

NBA season preview with betting edge

Every NBA season comes with questions and opportunities, but this season more than most: What's going to happen with James Harden and the 76ers? Could the Cavaliers be better than the Sixers? Would that make Evan Mobley Defensive Player of the Year or maybe J.B. Bickerstaff for Coach of the Year?Those outcomes could make a savvy bettor money, so today we break down the coming NBA season with Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) of NBC Sports Bet the Edge. We talk about under/overs we like and how to really take advantage of that if you're really confident a team will comfortably beat the number (as I am with the Raptors). We also talk about how to approach the awards market, as well as the East champion or division champion markets in a way that brings real value. Drew knows his hoops so this is more than a betting conversation but also a good basketball one.

World Cup semifinals, Central division preview and Erykah Badu

World Cup semifinals, Central division preview and Erykah Badu

This year's version of Team USA, even without America's biggest names (or maybe because of that), has shown more chemistry than we have seen from the men's senior national team in a long time. However, will that be enough against a very good German team in the FIBA World Cup semifinals, and against Canada or Serbia in the Finals (if the Americans advance)? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss what they have seen with Team USA, what has worked, and what players have looked good at the World Cup.Then in Corey's Jukebox, Corey explains how Erykah Badu ties into Team USA.For Kurt's Korner, the pair breaks down the Central division. How much pressure are the Milwaukee Bucks under after Giannis Antetokounmpo's offseason comments? Can the Cleveland Cavaliers push the Bucks? Kurt thinks everyone is sleeping on the Pacers. Then what should be the Bulls next move? What should be expected of this season's Pistons?

Harden saga, Diana Taurasi, Northwest Division preview

Harden saga, Diana Taurasi, Northwest Division preview

In the middle of what is usually the quiet period of the NBA calendar — when the focus should be on the basketball Hall of Fame and the WNBA — James Harden and the 76ers have kept the drama going. The 76ers ended trade talks (for now) for Harden and say they want to bring him to camp, Harden called 76ers President Daryl Morey a "liar" and said he would never play in an organization Morey is part of.Is there a good outcome for anyone in this scenario? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss that and how both sides have few good options.Then the conversation shifts to Diana Taurasi, who became the first woman to break the 10,000-point barrier in the WNBA. They discuss her place in the league, and if she should be in Paris next summer as part of Team USA at the Olympics. From there the conversation takes a sharp shift to discussing how Radiohead ties into the Australian NBL in Corey's Jukebox.Finally, the duo discusses and previews the Northwest Division. Denver is a contender with Nikola Jokić, but how much will they miss Bruce Brown and Jeff Green? Are we sleeping on the Oklahoma City Thunder? What exactly are the Minnesota Timberwolves and are they Anthony Edwards' team now? Where is Utah in its development, and where does John Collins fit in? Then there is Portland, with the Damian Lillard trade looming and a shift to the Scoot Henderson era.

Talking WNBA, Sixth Person of the Year love with Sun's DiJonai Carrington

Talking WNBA, Sixth Person of the Year love with Sun's DiJonai Carrington

DiJonai Carrington's path to the WNBA was not smooth. While she came from an athletic family — her father, Darren Carrington, played eight years in the NFL, and her mother, Vickie, ran track at Northern Arizona — she had to overcome multiple knee surgeries, including one this past offseason. It hasn't slowed her down as Carrington is one of the frontrunners to be Sixth Player of the Year, and she has helped lead the Connecticut Sun to a 19-7 record that has them as one of the title contenders this season.Carrington joined NBC Sports' Kurt Helin on this week's PBT Podcast to discuss how a Southern California native is adjusting to Connecticut, what is feuling her run this season and how making it to the WNBA Finals last year and losing on their home court has motivated the Sun this season. They also talk about overcoming all those injuries, her desire to win Sixth Person of the Year, and what musical act she'd jump on stage with and sing/rap along with.

Harden trade, Summer League standouts, WNBA All-Star Game

Harden trade, Summer League standouts, WNBA All-Star Game

With Summer League and free agency in the rearview mirror, this is supposed to be the slow offseason of the NBA. Not so much this summer. There was plenty for Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to dive into, including the latest on the James Harden trade saga — while there is little movement on the trade front itself, there is plenty of posturing. What everyone around the NBA is really watching is how Joel Embiid reacts, and Corey and Kurt get into that.From there the topic shifts to the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas and how Sabrina Ionescu stole the show and proved that the 3-point contest is the highlight of all things All-Star in basketball. Then it's time for Corey's Jukebox to combine the Smiths and the Phoenix Suns' local broadcast rights moves.Finally, in Kurt's Korner the duo discusses the NBA's in-season tournament plan — is this aimed at an overseas market more than the American one? Finally, Kurt talks about a few of the less-mentioned standouts he saw at Summer League in Las Vegas.

NBA free agency breakdown, Lillard trade talk

NBA free agency breakdown, Lillard trade talk

The NBA off-season has come fast and furious and it's time to talk about the biggest moves so far — with the Damian Lillard and James Harden trades still hanging out there. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into all the biggest NBA offseason stories: The Boston Celtics trading away Marcus Smart and bringing in Kristaps Porzingis, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez coming back to Milwaukee, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks heading to Houston, plus much more. They then get into the possibilities of Damian Lillard getting traded to Miami and how that will drag out.Not all the offseason moves have been great, which gets to Corey's Jukebox and "Oof" by Inner Wave.Finally some lightning round to round out the summer: Could Chet Holmgren top Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year? Is Anthony Edwards the face of the Timberwolves now (and what does that mean for Karl-Anthony Towns)? Which Los Angeles team made better offseason moves? Then they end it on a fun note discussing their favorite summer BBQ foods.

Beal trade to Suns, NBA Draft talk

Beal trade to Suns, NBA Draft talk

So much news to get to this week that it took a few minutes even to get to the NBA Draft. But they got to it.First up was the news of the Bradley Beal trade to the Phoenix Suns. Did anyone win? Phoenix got its man but at the possible exception of roster depth, which was already its biggest weakness. Can Beal and Kevin Durant stay healthy? Can a "big three" roster work in the world of the modern CBA? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports debate all that then move on to the Ja Morant suspension and if 25 games is the right number. From there it's time to discuss Draymond Green and Kyle Kuzma turning down their player options, was that the right move? Then what about the start to the WNBA season and just how impressive is Breanna Stewart (very, very impressive)? Finally, we move on to Corey's Jukebox and tie Mat Ishbia's Suns into Gang Starr.In Kurt's Korner they run through Kurt's consensus NBA Mock Draft for the lottery. He feels pretty good about Victor Wembanyama going No. 1 to the Spurs, after that just about everything is up in the air.

Talking NBA Draft, what will Portland do with Sean Highkin

Talking NBA Draft, what will Portland do with Sean Highkin

Here's what we know for sure: The San Antonio Spurs will select Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. After that, it could be chaos with Charlotte at No. 2 and Portland at No. 3 open to trading their picks (as is Houston at No. 4), with names as big as Zion Williamson potentially in play. It's going to be a wild night next Thursday and Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report and podcast joined Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss the Portland Trail Blazers plans. First, that does not include a Damian Lillard trade, the plan in Portland remains to build around the greatest player in franchise history and win with him there. Building around Lillard means the Trail Blazers want to trade the No. 3 pick as a lot of teams covet Scoot Henderson, but will Charlotte trade its No. 2 pick for that reason before Portland can act? Or do the Hornets take Brandon Miller and let Scoot fall to three?Also, is New Orleans really ready to move on from Zion? Is Brandon Ingram in play at all? And what other teams would have interest in a big, bold move to jump up to a top-three pick to land Scoot or Miller? Also, the duo talks about all the expected trades in the late teens and 20s as contenders try to round out their rosters with affordable rookie contracts, a byproduct of the new CBA.

Nuggets earn title, can it be a dynasty? Plus trade, draft talk.

Nuggets earn title, can it be a dynasty? Plus trade, draft talk.

The Denver Nuggets left no doubt who was the best team in the NBA. Not only did they roll through the West, but also the Miami Heat dragged the game into the mud and played much of the Finals on their terms. It did not matter. The Nuggets beat the Heat at their own game.Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports dive into the Nugget's win and then tackle the big questions: Can they repeat and win another? Can they turn this into a dynasty? That tied directly into Corey's jukebox, which compares early Fleetwood Mac to where the Nuggets are right now.Finally, the duo dives into trade talk — will Bradley Beal be on the move — and the upcoming NBA Draft, where the four picks after No. 1 are available for the right price. Would the Pelicans be willing to move Zion Williamson to land Scoot Henderson? It's not out of the question.

Heat vs. Nuggets NBA Finals, coaching hires

Heat vs. Nuggets NBA Finals, coaching hires

After three games of the NBA Finals, there are still so many questions. Can the Heat stop the Jamal Murray/Nikola Jokić pick-and-roll? Will Miami find 3-point shot again and will that be enough? Is Denver the team that does not wilt under the pressure Miami puts on them? Is there a better player on the planet than Nikola Jokić.Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports get into all of that, then talk coaching hires. Is Frank Vogel a good hire in Phoenix? speaking of coach talk, Corey's Jukebox talks Monty Williams and how a classic Aretha Franklin song sums him up.Finally, the conversation turns to Team USA and the roster headed to the Philippines for the World Cup this summer — a lot of young, athletic talent, but will any of the American NBA elites join them? Also, who is your favorite NBA mascot?

NBA Finals preview, plus Nurse to Philly, and Bucks as opera

NBA Finals preview, plus Nurse to Philly, and Bucks as opera

The NBA Finals are here and it's not the matchup anybody predicted: The Denver Nuggets vs. the Miami Heat. In this latest PBT Extra podcast, Kurt Helin and Corey Robinson break down that Finals matchup and if the Heat have any chance of slowing down Nikola Jokić. First the pair talk the Heat's Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics and what this says for the future of the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era in Boston. After the Finals, in Corey's Jukebox, Corey compares the Bucks and the recent hiring of Adrian Griffin as the team's head coach to the famed Mozart opera Don Giovanni — and that's not a complement to Milwaukee.Then the duo get into the news around the NBA: What does Bob Myers leaving mean for the Warriors? Is Nick Nurse a good hire in Philadelphia? And what the heck is Eric Lewis thinking?

Nuggets advance, LeBron talks retirement, and coaching carousel

Nuggets advance, LeBron talks retirement, and coaching carousel

LeBron James and his retirement stole the headlines, but the Denver Nuggets and their play deserve to be front and center, and that's the first topic in this week's podcast. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin get into what works for Denver, then dive into if LeBron is really thinking about retirement (he's not) and what the Lakers need to do. From there there is a conversation about the Heat and if the Celtics can come back on them. Then, for Corey's Jukebox, it's time to sing the blues with Johnny Lee Hooker and talk Lakers a little more. The conversation then shifts to Carmelo Anthony and his Hall of Fame career, before talking about the coaching searches around the NBA and how Nick Nurse is a hot name. Also, would you fire Joe Mazzulla? Finally, a quick conversation about the Game of Life.

It's a Fiesta when Spurs win lottery, plus playoff talk

It's a Fiesta when Spurs win lottery, plus playoff talk

It's a Fiesta in San Antonio. Literally. And not just because the Spurs won the NBA Draft Lottery, and with it the rights to draft Victor Wembanyama, although Corey Robinson says that has added to the party along the River Walk — with some Afro-Cuban All-Stars music.In this latest episode of the PBT Extra Podcast, Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports talk about why landing in San Antonio is a win for Wembanyama as well as the Spurs, how starting his career under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich is a good thing, and how the Spurs should be patient with their build-out around a franchise cornerstone. Then the pair discuss how the lottery was a win for the Hornets and Trail Blazers, but not so much for the Pistons.From there they discuss Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals and what to take away from the Nuggets' dominant start and the Lakers' comeback. Then they get into the Eastern Conference Finals, where they agree the Heat will bring it and question how much they should trust the Celtics. All that plus discussing heroes and villains.

Playoffs second round, All-NBA and NBA Draft Lottery talk

Playoffs second round, All-NBA and NBA Draft Lottery talk

This has been a wild playoffs and in this episode of PBT Extra Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the second round with a discussion of the 76ers and Celtics Game 7. They touch on the epic Lakers and Warriors series, the Heat and Knicks, and spend time talking about what is next for the Suns this summer — plus why we always seem to overlook the Denver Nuggets.Speaking of the Nuggets, Corey's Jukebox compares Jokić and the Nuggets to a legendary Todd Rundgren album. From there in Kurt's Korner it's time to talk about the NBA hiring Mike Krzyzewski for... something. Then there is the All-NBA teams and finally the excitement around the NBA Draft lottery and what it could mean for some of the teams at the top.

Talking NBA playoffs second round, Grizzlies future

Talking NBA playoffs second round, Grizzlies future

After a summer of brash talk and high-profile distractions — including poking the bear that is LeBron James — the Memphis Grizzlies exited the playoffs with a whimper. That was quickly followed by reports they were not bringing back free agent Dillon Brooks as part of a shift to make this more of a playoff team. Is that the right move? NBC Sports' Corey Robinson doesn't think so, although Kurt Helin is less sure. Before the duo goes walking in Memphis they take a stroll through the first round of the NBA playoffs. (This was recorded hours before news broke about Mike Budenholzer being fired by the Bucks.)They talk about Jimmy Butler and the Heat against the Knicks, if Kevin Durant can bring the Suns back against Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets, and the rest of the first-round series. Tied into that is Corey's Jukebox, where Anthony Davis gets the Rolling Stones treatment.

First round playoff talk, what's next for Clippers

First round playoff talk, what's next for Clippers

We're approaching the end of what has been an unexpectedly great first round of the NBA playoffs. Remember when we thought the West was going to be wild with upsets but the East was predictable and follow the chalk? Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat thought differently. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports dive into all the first-round matchups including the Warriors and Kings, the Heat and Bucks, if the Grizzlies can come back on the Lakers and more. Then for Corey's Jukebox, it's time for the King of Country George Straight to sing one for Kawhi Leonard. That leads to a conversation about where the Clippers go from here after another injury-plagued season and playoffs. Should they run it back, or is it time to move on from the Paul George/Kawhi Leonard era? Then the duo talk officiating in the playoffs, always a fraught topic this time of year. Finally, the duo talk about what animal — real or imagined — they would take on a quest.

First round playoff preview, latin music for LaMelo

First round playoff preview, latin music for LaMelo

No more talk of load management or the Groundhog Day nature of NBA regular season — the playoffs are here. The games matter, the intensity is high and coaching strategies — and team roster building — are put to the ultimate stress test. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into the play-in games — particularly the Lakers win over the Timberwolves — and then get into all the first-round matchups. Can the Lakers upset the Grizzlies? What about the Warriors knocking off the 3-seed Kings? Will there be any upsets in the East.Corey's Jukebox gets into LaMelo Ball and what's next for the star in Charlotte.

MVP and NBA awards, new CBA, and a deep Hall of Fame class

MVP and NBA awards, new CBA, and a deep Hall of Fame class

It's the busy season in the NBA with the playoffs about to start, but Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports focus on the big picture this week. They talk about a deep Hall of Fame class — Gregg Popovich, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and more — then slide into talking about the new CBA and what it might mean for players and fans of elite teams. Corey's Jukebox this week uses the classic rock music of Heart to explain what is going on with the Dallas Mavericks.After that, the duo gets into the NBA MVP and other end-of-season awards. Should it be Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo with the hardware this year? Did Jaren Jackson Jr. play enough games to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors, or should it go to Brook Lopez and all he has brought to the Bucks? Can anyone top Paolo Banchero as Rookie of the Year? They discuss it all and more.